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1 THE MOURNFUL, inspired prediction (a burden to be lifted up) concerning Babylon which Isaiah son of Amoz saw [with prophetic insight]:
2 Raise up a signal banner upon the high and bare mountain, summon them [the Medes and Persians] with loud voice and beckoning hand that they may enter the gates of the [Babylonian] nobles.
3 I Myself [says the Lord] have commanded My designated ones and have summoned My mighty men to execute My anger, even My proudly exulting ones [the Medes and Persians]--those who are made to triumph for My honor.
4 Hark, the uproar of a multitude in the mountains, like that of a great people! The noise of the tumult of the kingdoms of the nations gathering together! The Lord of hosts is mustering the host for the battle.
5 They come from a distant country, from the uttermost part of the heavens [the far east]--even the Lord and the weapons of His indignation--to seize and destroy the whole land. [Ps. 19:4-6; Isa. 5:26.]
6 Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand; as destruction from the Almighty and Sufficient One [Shaddai] will it come! [Gen. 17:1.]
7 Therefore will all hands be feeble, and every man's heart will melt.
8 And they [of Babylon] shall be dismayed and terrified, pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in childbirth. They will gaze stupefied and aghast at one another, their faces will be aflame [from the effects of the unprecedented warfare].
9 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming!--fierce, with wrath and raging anger--to make the land and the [whole] earth a desolation and to destroy out of it its sinners. [Isa. 2:10-22; Rev. 19:11-21.]
10 For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be darkened at its rising and the moon will not shed its light.
11 And I, the Lord, will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their guilt and iniquity; I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible and the boasting of the violent and ruthless.
12 I will make a man more rare than fine gold, and mankind scarcer than the pure gold of Ophir.
13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth shall be shaken out of its place at the wrath of the Lord of hosts in the day of His fierce anger.
14 And like the chased roe or gazelle, and like sheep that no man gathers, each [foreign resident] will turn to his own people, and each will flee to his own land.
15 Everyone who is found will be thrust through, and everyone who is connected with the slain and is caught will fall by the sword.
16 Their infants also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be plundered and their wives ravished.
17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who have no regard for silver and do not delight in gold [and thus cannot be bribed].
18 Their bows will cut down the young men [of Babylon]; and they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb, their eyes will not spare children.
19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans' pride, shall be like Sodom and Gomorrah when God overthrew them.
20 [Babylon] shall never be inhabited or dwelt in from generation to generation; neither shall the Arab pitch his tent there, nor shall the shepherds make their sheepfolds there.
21 But wild beasts of the desert will lie down there, and the people's houses will be full of dolefully howling creatures; and ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats [like demons] will dance there.
22 And wolves and howling creatures will cry and answer in the deserted castles, and jackals in the pleasant palaces. And [Babylon's] time has nearly come, and her days will not be prolonged.
The Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Amplified Bible (AMP) is a unique translation of the Bible that aims to provide a richer and deeper understanding of the scriptures by incorporating various shades of meaning found in the original languages. First published in 1965, the AMP was developed by The Lockman Foundation and its team of scholars, who sought to expand on the text by including additional words and phrases within brackets and parentheses. These amplifications are intended to clarify and explain the nuances of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, offering readers a more comprehensive view of the biblical text.
One of the defining features of the Amplified Bible is its use of multiple English words to translate single Hebrew or Greek terms. This approach acknowledges that no single English word can fully capture the breadth of meaning contained in the original languages. By providing synonyms and explanatory phrases, the AMP helps readers grasp the fuller implications of the text, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the scriptures. This makes the AMP particularly valuable for in-depth Bible study, as it opens up the text in a way that more concise translations might not.
The Amplified Bible also pays careful attention to the context in which words are used. The amplifications often reflect the cultural, historical, and theological background of the passages, offering insights into how the original audience might have understood the text. This contextual sensitivity helps modern readers bridge the gap between the ancient world and contemporary times, making the Bible messages more relatable and accessible. The comprehensive approach of AMP is especially helpful for those new to biblical studies, as well as for seasoned scholars looking for a fresh perspective.
While the Amplified Bible is widely appreciated for its depth and clarity, it has faced some criticism for its interpretive nature. Some readers and scholars argue that the extensive use of amplifications can lead to a cluttered and sometimes overwhelming reading experience. Additionally, there is a concern that the interpretive additions might sway readers toward particular theological viewpoints. Despite these critiques, the Amplified Bible remains a popular and respected translation, valued for its ability to enrich the reader in understanding of the scriptures and to illuminate the multifaceted meanings contained within the biblical text.